Life & Work with Dr. Eva Ritvo

Hi Dr. Ritvo, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! I am Dr. Eva Ritvo. I am a psychiatrist who has practiced in Miami for over 30 years. Most of my work is now virtual. I treat people with anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. I am also a writer.

My most recent book is Bekindr: The Transformative Power of Kindness. I wanted to share stories about kindness to inspire others to act in a kinder fashion. Simple kindness can go a long way to make life better for both the giver and the receiver.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My life has been anything but smooth. I have faced many challenges along the road. My father had major health issues when I was growing up and eventually received a heart transplant. Miraculously, he survived until 10 days after his 90th birthday.

My first daughter was born with Cerebral Palsy and had brain surgery at age 5, which led to additional complications. I was divorced when my kids were 13 and 17. I had a wonderful career in academic medicine and had to leave to open my practice after the divorce to be more available to my daughters.

We all faced Covid, which completely changed my life. Reflecting back, each of these challenges has served to make me stronger, wiser, and more independent. Each issue I have faced has taught me so much, and I am better able to help my patients and those around me.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
One of the most rewarding things I do, in addition to my medical practice, is I am the co-founder of a nonprofit called the Bold Beauty Project. We select women with varying disabilities and pair them with volunteer photographers. They create an image that shows the woman in her most bold and beautiful way.

We then create art shows and display the photographs along with brief biographies of the women and the photographers. We have held shows on in various cities around the US, and in Panama. We have recently hosted two shows on college campuses.  We have been invited to bring the Bold Beauty Project to a satellite fair during the Venice Biennale, the world’s largest art show.

We are raising funds to make this dream a reality in April 2026. Our mission is to break preconceived notions about what it means to live with a disability.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
These challenges have led me to discover that nothing stays the same. You have to adapt to many changes along the way. Developing resilience, daily coping skills and a wide support network are so important if you want to live your optimal life. Self-kindness and kindness to others are key.

As I grow older, I am learning to prioritize my own health needs, such as getting a good night’s sleep, eating properly, and avoiding undue stress. I make sure I get to yoga many times a week to get my mind and body as fit as possible.

Relationships are what nourish and sustain us and require care and attention as well. Every day is a new challenge and an opportunity to do better than the day before.